Kings Aim to Conclude Road Trip with Win Against Kraken

SEATTLE, Wash. — The Los Angeles Kings wrap up their five-game road trip tonight with a matchup against the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. The Kings, coming off a 2-1 victory over the Kraken in November, look to secure a winning record on the trip, while Seattle aims to rebound from a recent slump.

Forward Kevin Fiala has been a standout against the Kraken, tallying 15 points in 11 career games. Meanwhile, goaltender Darcy Kuemper is expected to start for the Kings, boasting a .922 save percentage this season. Kuemper has allowed one or fewer goals in his last five starts, tying a franchise record previously held by Jonathan Quick.

“The responsibility that every player plays with, there’s no one out there cheating for offense, guys are playing the right way and playing patient,” Kuemper said. “I think that’s what makes us so tough to play against.”

Seattle, entering the game with four wins in its last 15 outings, will see the return of winger Brandon Tanev, who missed Thursday’s game due to illness. Forward Jordan Eberle has been a key performer against the Kings, recording 11 points in 10 games over the past four seasons.

Kings forward Alex Laferriere remains sidelined with an upper-body injury, described as “a way’s away” from returning by interim coach Jim Hiller. Defenseman Jordan Spence, meanwhile, will take on a new role on the power play, swapping with Brandt Clarke to provide a fresh offensive threat.

“It hasn’t been our best this season, but I know they’re trying to work some things out,” Spence said. “For me personally, I just have to play my game and try to contribute as much as I can.”

The Kings, currently 2-2 on the trip, are focused on ending their journey with a win. “My favorite game of the road trips is always the last game, because it’s the greatest challenge,” Hiller said. “I think we’ve seen it from our team this year—they’ve been ready to meet that challenge.”

Proceeds from merchandise sales during the game will benefit the LAFD Foundation, supporting those affected by recent wildfires in Los Angeles.